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Welcome Caley Chelios, new Lightning reporter

Caley Chelios joins the Lightning organization as its new hockey reporter

by
Press Release
/ TampaBayLightning.com

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Caley Chelios is taking her talents south to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Caley played Big Ten lacrosse at Northwestern University where she studied communications and sociology. She furthered her studies in graduate school at Northwestern, earning a masters in journalism. This isn't her first rodeo in the hockey world. Caley grew up in skates, playing hockey and learning from a family of talented players. During her time in graduate school, Caley had the opportunity to report on many unique sporting events including the 2016 NHL Winter Classic, 2016 NFL Draft, Big Ten Media Day and more.

What are you looking forward to most about the job?

I'm thrilled to meet the Lightning fans and get to work for not only one of the greatest professional teams in hockey, but in any sports franchise. Working for a prestigious organization like the Lightning will help further my career, and take my reporting skills to new heights. I cannot wait to see the team and their fans light up Amalie Arena this season!

What excites you about the Lightning this season?

I think I fell into this role with the Lightning at a great time both as a reporter and passionate hockey fan. Over the last few years, the team has surged to become a power house in the Atlantic Division and made several exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs runs. They're a great team, and brought back a lot of players from last year's talented roster. There's a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm in the arena on game night from the organization and Lightning fans. I'm excited to watch it all unfold this season.

What do you love about Tampa?

I instantly fell in love with the Lightning organization when I got here. The people are so welcoming, the fans are incredibly passionate about their team here and I get to work with a talented group of hard working individuals who help make this team the number one franchise in sports as noted by ESPN last week. This city is definitely a hidden gem, and I'm grateful to be able to leave my boots and coats back in Chicago this hockey season.

How did you get into Journalism?

I always knew I wanted to stay in sports, I just wasn't sure what direction I would go in. Growing up in the hockey world, sports and being an athlete is how I defined myself. My passion and love for hockey and competing led me to Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern. I earned a masters in journalism and had the privilege of reporting amazing moments from the 2016 NHL Winter Classic, 2016 NFL Draft, Olympic coverage from the United States Olympic Training Facility in Colorado and more.

Why did you choose to go to school at Northwestern?

Northwestern University was a great decision for me. I wanted to be a division one athlete and Northwestern offered me an amazing opportunity to have the best of both worlds academically and athletically. I played four years on the women's lacrosse team and captured a NCAA National Championship my first year, and made three consecutive final four appearances. It was life changing to play for a Big Ten school like Northwestern in Chicago and compete at the highest level on the biggest stages. I met my best friends there and it gave me a lot of unique experiences and opportunities I wouldn't have been able to get anywhere else.

LIGHTNING ROUND!

What three celebrities would you invite to dinner? (Dead or Alive)

Harry Caray, Jimmy Fallon, Robin Williams

Favorite Music?

Everything. I love alternative rock, Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. I was an original Belieber from the start and I listen to R & B and hip hop as well.